Pros and Cons of Microdermabrasion for Age Spots Removal

For some individuals, age spots can be unattractive. Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic skin treatment that uses an instrument similar to that of a fine sandblaster that sprays the skin with tiny mineral crystals. This may be an effective means to treat age spots. As with most cosmetic treatments, microdermabrasion has its pros and cons.

Pros of Microdermabrasion for Age Spots Removal

Individuals can notice immediate improvement with the toning and texture of the skin with this age spots removal process. In addition, this procedure can eliminate the early signs of aging. It not only rids the skin of age spots, but also helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the collagen, and unclogs the pores ridding the skin of acne and acne scars. The skin becomes more radiant and younger looking normally only after a few treatments, as the dead skin cells on the top of the skin are removed.

A microdermabrasion treatment offers minimal discomforts, especially in comparison to chemical peels. Some redness and irritation may occur for the first hour. Unlike other treatments, infection or scarring is not a complication with this procedure. In addition, it is beneficial for all skin types.

With microdermabrasion, there is no downtime as it is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure. Persons having this treatment normally can go back to their usual activities immediately after. Post-care treatment is as simple as staying out of the sun and maybe moisturizing. This treatment to remove age spots is of a short duration, usually only taking approximately 30 to 60 minutes, which does not require hospitalization. It can often be done during a lunch break, hence its known name as a “lunchtime facial”.

Microdermabrasion is less costly than many other cosmetic laser treatments and surgeries, with the cost normally ranging from $75 to $300, and is still considered to be a safe method of treatment. Other therapy treatments using exfoliation or medications usually can still continue with a microdermabrasion removal procedure.

Cons of Microdermabrasion for Age Spots Removal

Although microdermabrasion is less costly than other laser-type treatments, it is still more expensive than other conventional medicinal removal methods for age spots, especially home remedies. This could cause some individuals to seek treatments from unqualified professionals, where improper equipment or sterilization methods may be used. This allows for more risks of infection and scarring from the misuse of the tools, with inappropriate spraying of the crystals, hitting too fiercely onto the skin causing cuts and/or reaching and hurting the eyes.

A disadvantage of this type of procedure is that repeated treatments are necessary to remove scars. Also, it is not suitable for severe scars. It is important for the individual who is doing the microdermabrasion to be qualified with this type of cosmetic treatment, as improper application could lead to uneven peeling and the undesired appearance of the skin.

Another con with microdermabrasion is that there are uncertainties to the effectiveness of age spots removal. It may prove to be highly effective for some, and may not be a success for others.